| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Cogswell Mountain - Middle Peak, Cogswell Mountain - Northwest Peak, Cogswell Mountain - Southeast Peak, NH |
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 | Trails: |
Main Trail, bushwhack, Abandoned East Summit Trail, bushwhack, Beaver Pond Loop |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, January 15, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At the back of the Gilmanton Year-Round Library by the shed. The property sign is visible from here. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Trace/Minimal Depth, Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The official trails shown on the map are signed and marked well now. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
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 | Lost and Found: |
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 | Comments: |
Sure wish I'd seen the updated trail map instead of using an older version that I have. :D Anyway ...
I walked Main Trail all the way to the summit of Middle Peak, where there is a picnic table and cleared outlook. Just beyond the table, a very short herd path leads to the high point, marked with a cairn. From there, I bushwhacked easily to the NW peak, which is the high point of the ridge. It is unrecognized. I returned to Middle Peak the same way.
The older map I have still indicates a route to the SE peak (East Summit Trail), so off I went. The entrance to the old trail (no sign or blazes) is obscure but marked with flagging. The route is wet and overgrown at first but soon improves, following old logging roads. The summit would have a fantastic view toward the Belknaps with a some tree trimming. While up there I also did a short bushwhack to the other summit bump just to the SW. I returned to Main Trail the same way, and walked Beaver Pond Loop on the way out.
In summary, regarding the older map vs. the newer map:
1. The former yellow-blazed Summit Trail to Middle Peak no longer exists. It's been rolled into Main Trail. So there's now just one trail from the trailhead to Middle Peak.
2. The former East Summit Trail appears to be abandoned; it has been removed from the latest version of the map.
Current map, which is also on the trailhead kiosk:
https://www.gilmantonnh.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif4451/f/uploads/cogswell_map-_updated.pdf
There was pretty consistent snow cover here, but only a couple inches at most. No traction or snowshoes needed. A few icy bits close to the trailhead but all avoidable. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-01-15 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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